Fresh off a standout performance at the 2025 Canyons 100k, Ryan Montgomery secured a Golden Ticket and is headed back to Western States for the third time. With a previous 8th-place finish under his belt, Ryan returns with sharper strategy, bigger goals and deeper intention.

But his story goes far beyond his success. As one of the few openly gay elite ultrarunners, Ryan is a powerful advocate for inclusion, authenticity and representation in the trail and ultra community.

In this episode, we dive into his race-day mindset at Canyons, his approach to training for Western States and what it truly means to show up—fully and fearlessly—in a sport still finding its footing in diversity.

Watch this episode on Youtube

Subscribe to UltraRunning Magazine

Thanks to our episode sponsor Drymax

In this episode, host Scotty Sandow sits down with two remarkable athletes whose stories push the boundaries of resilience and possibility: Adam Popp and Dave Mackey.

Popp, a retired US Air Force veteran and above-knee amputee, made history as the first above-knee amputee to finish a 100-mile ultramarathon. This June, he’s taking on the iconic Western States 100 with none other than Dave Mackey by his side.

Mackey’s story is legendary. A former Ultrarunner of the Year (UROY), course record holder and longtime elite competitor, Dave lost his leg below the knee after a devastating mountain running accident. His comeback is the stuff of ultrarunning lore—gritty, grounded and deeply inspiring.

In this conversation, they talk about what it takes to train and compete as adaptive athletes, how they’ve redefined success, and the deep connection forged through trail and adversity.

Watch this episode on YouTube

Subscribe to UltraRunning Magazine

Thanks to our episode sponsor Drymax

In this episode, Scotty talks with editor-in-chief Amy Clark about the latest Trails issue. With in-depth articles about rhabdomyolysis, a 200-mile ultramarathon in a one-mile tunnel and much more, they get into the nitty gritty of what makes this issue so special.

Watch this episode on YouTube.

Subscribe to UltraRunning Magazine.

Thanks to our episode sponsor, Drymax.